Friday The 13th

Many people dread whenever Friday the 13th comes. It has come to be associated with something dreadful and unfortunate. There are a lot of people who believe that Friday the 13th is synonymous to bad luck and people should try to be extra careful during this unfortunate time. It is one of those things that many people have already accepted for quite a long time now even though the idea on how it started seems lost to them.

Early Origins

Probably the association between the 13th day of the month falling on a Friday and bad luck may stem from two superstitious beliefs. The number “13” has long been considered as bad luck and Friday is considered to be an unlucky day. Put the two together and you get a day where people started to believe to be a day of bad luck.

There are also other theories regarding the origins of Friday the 13th and its association with bad luck. One such theory states that it may have stemmed from the fact that Jesus Christ died on a Friday and that there were 13 people at the last supper. Another theory ties it to a tale in Norse mythology where Frigga, the free spirited goddess of love and fertility was banished to shame and labeled as a witch when the people converted to Christianity. As vindication, the goddess is said to convene a meeting with eleven other witches along with the devil on a Friday to plan ill turns of fate for the week.

Unfortunate Trivia

Although it may be considered as superstition, many instances throughout history may lend credit as to how Friday the 13th may actually be unlucky indeed. Here are just some unfortunate facts lending to the belief of Friday the 13th and bad luck.

The British Navy once built a ship they named Friday the 13th. The ship took its maiden voyage on Friday the 13th. It was never heard from ever again.

Most hospitals today do not have a Room 13. Most buildings seem to skip having a 13th floor.

Popular football quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career. Despite being extremely talented, he only went to the Super Bowl once, but then lost.

Many heads of state have that abnormal fear with the number 13. US. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt refused to travel on the 13th day of any month or even host 13 guests at a meal. The fear for the number 13 has also been documented to affect Napoleon of France and Herbert Hoover.